Snow Blower vs Snow Thrower

Wondering how to get through winter, primarily through the burdensome task of moving the snow, here is a guide that helps you achieve more. It is crucial to mention that we humans are not structured to move the snow; there are tools meant for that purpose.

If you’ve not used a snow removal machine before, you will be surprised how efficient they can be. Snow removal machines help to efficiently clear snow from sidewalks and driveways. And even though people mistake the snow blower vs. snow thrower for each other, they are quite different in several features.

Overview of a Snow Thrower

A snow thrower is defined as a single-stage snow removal machine. Basically, it uses the auger to pack the snow and dispose of it. This implies that the snow is flung just the way you would pick a stone from the floor and throw it away at a far distance.

Between the snow blower vs. snow thrower, the snow thrower is more inexpensive, but it is not as efficient as the snow blower. Since the snow thrower’s auger is used to loosen and throw the snow, it cannot throw the snow away in a far distance. Similarly, it would be impossible to have a deep cut in the snow.

Overview of a Snow Blower

A snow blower is a double-stage snow removal machine that is more efficient and powerful than a snow thrower. The double-stage action implies that in the first stage, the auger loosens and takes up the snow. For the second stage, the impeller-like fan sucks the snow out of the auger and blows it from the machine.

The double stage action’s meaning is that the snow blower will blow the snow further than what the snow thrower would. Also, since the auger performs only one function, it works better in removing the snow. And unlike the snow thrower, it cuts more in-depth into the snow.

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Differences in Usage Between Snow Blower vs Snow Thrower

Below are some differences that help you distinguish a snow thrower from a snow blower.

Expulsion Force

Generally, a snow blower comes with more power than a snow thrower. A snow thrower gathers snow and throws it out in one motion. Usually, the snow is expelled to a distance of between 10-23 feet. The horizontal spinning auger generates the power to achieve this, as it takes up the snow alongside producing the force for expulsion. In comparison, the snow blower functions in two phases.

It also comes with a rotating auger like the snow thrower to take up the snow. However, the snow is moved into the impeller, which functions as a forceful fan. This throws the snow to a maximum distance of around 35 feet. Besides, there are three-tier blowers with accelerators that smoothly cut through ice and harsh snow. They crush these substances and feed them into a powerful impeller that launches the snow to a distance of 50 feet.

Management and Maintenance

If you intend to get snow throwers that are corded and powered by batteries, you are sure of less space consumption in any room you store it. In comparison, a gas snow blower is quite big and almost has the same size as a garden tractor. This feature implies you need a bigger room for storage.

Corded and battery-powered Snow throwers do not use fuel, and because of this, fumes are not produced during use. For the snow blower, it has to be maintained at all times since its engine is powered with gas. This means you need to check and add oil when needed. Also, you should change the spark plug and gas filter every six months or one year.

Light Snow Accumulations

In the comparison between snow thrower vs. blower, light snow accumulations are one of the primary differences. Because snow throwers are less powerful and smaller, they work better to take out light snow accumulations of around 8-9 inches. On the other hand, with a snow blower, you can remove 15 inches of light snow accumulations.

Another critical point is, snow throwers cannot be self-propelled. This feature makes it difficult to manually push them across more intense snow accumulations. For snow blowers, several models on the market are self-propelled.

Power

For snow throwers (single-stage), extension cords are used to power them. The disadvantage of this is, their use is limited. That is because of the cord’s length and the needed accessibility to an electrical outlet. However, some latest snow throwers work with lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable). Hence, these snow throwers are not hindered by distance.

When you charge them, they can work for about 20-45 minutes. In comparison, snow blowers are powered by diesel or gasoline. They are not challenged by the cord’s length, and they allow you to altogether remove the snow till the fuel is exhausted.

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How to Choose a Snow Blower

Because a snow blower is more known and widely used than a snow thrower, we will be looking at various factors to guide you when choosing a snow blower.

Size of the Path

You need to check the size of the walkway or driveway you will be clearing. Usually, a single-stage snow blower would be great for a homeowner. This snow blower will come with a clearing width of around 18-23 inches. Also, it is easy for a single-stage snow blower to work well in tight regions. Hence, you can quickly move it around on scarcely-spaced walkways and decks.

If you have a more extensive driveway, it would be better to get a two-stage snow blower or a three-stage model. These snow blowers have a range of 24-48 inches, enabling you to clear significant parts faster. Two- and three-stage snow blowers come with powerful engines that improve performance in rocky and challenging terrains.

Noise

Most people don’t like a machine’s noise, mainly if used in residential areas. To avoid being a nuisance to those who live around you, it is best to choose a snow blower model that operates noiselessly. You can get a snow blower which works with electricity. Since they don’t use gas engines, they operate with less noise than fuel-powered snow blowers.

Maneuverability

Irrespective of where you live, you need to get a snow blower that is easily maneuverable. To prevent yourself from pushing big machines, you can get two- and three stage-snow blowers because they are self-propelled. Single-stage snow blowers are not self-propelled machines, but they can be easily pulled with rubber paddles.

If it is challenging for your single-stage snow blower to draw itself, you need to get a new paddle. One of the features that make single-stage snow blowers maneuverable is their small and light size, unlike bigger two and three-stage snow blowers.

Battery-Powered vs. Fuel vs. Corded

Battery-Powered

If you prefer a lightweight model and a machine you can easily maneuver, it is best to get a battery-operated snow removal machine, a snow thrower in this case. It is easier to handle battery-powered snow throwers, and they can be easily stored because of their small size.

The downside of battery-powered models is, they are not powerful, and they are the least efficient out of the three models. The batteries provide ample power, but it is not enough to mold ice or snow. The battery-powered model is best if you live in an area where you don’t experience heavy snowings. It would be advisable not to get this model for a place that gets heavy snow.

Fuel

If you need a compelling model, it is best to go for the fuel-powered models. In this case, you will be getting a snow blower because they are more potent than snow throwers. A snow blower that works with fuel provides enough power to pack as much ice and snow as possible. Another reason why fuel is more beneficial is that there is no cord to limit you.

The downside of using power is, you have to always buy gas and fill the tank. Also, these models have to be maintained appropriately so that they will not be dysfunctional. For starters, pay attention to oil maintenance. Replace the oil every few months for the snow blower to function well. Another feature of the fuel-driven snow blower is, they are quite heavy, which causes muscle strain sometimes.

Corded

The corded snow removal machine tends to provide the balance in regards to power. Corded snow blowers are less potent than fuel snow blowers. But they have more power than battery-driven models. The cord does not affect your movement. You are allowed to move within the cord’s length. However, if you are not careful enough, you can trip and fall over the cable.

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Conclusion

If you are confused about which to opt for between a snow blower or snow thrower, you must first figure out your needs. If your snow needs are severe, it is best to go for a snow blower because it has more capacity and power for optimum performance.

On the other hand, if you buy a snow thrower when your snow needs are severe, it is a waste of money because snow throwers are suited for minimal snow conditions. It is also important to mention that snow blowers vs snow throwers are two different snow removal machines entirely.